When Valor preys on reason, it eats the sword it fights with - Essay Example

When Valor Preys On Reason, It Eats the Sword It Fights With Insert Semester Endeavoring to explain the relationship between valor and reason is equal to making attempts at explaining the relationship between philosophy and psychology. Arguably, these two disciplines are linked to one another so closely that distinguishing their principles can be somewhat challenging (Waith, 2002). Fundamentally, psychology concerns itself with the brain of an individual and the manner in which such an individual perceives things, as a result of their prejudices and circumstances.

On the other hand, philosophy is a discipline that cannot be defined. One philosopher in ancient Greece described philosophy as the art of thinking about reason. In straightforward terms, philosophy has no precise explanation. Talking of valor and reason, then, it is worth concluding that valor is an aspect of psychology while reason is a philosophical concept. This paper seeks to explain how using valor without reason can seriously backfire.The quote that makes the title of this paper is a quote by Shakespeare.

The quote, like many Shakespearean quotes, has received a number of interpretations with some scholars giving explanations that are out rightly wrong. Perhaps the best way of understanding the idea, is to get a clear understanding of both concepts. Valor has been variously described as the courage and strength that a human being can possess as part of their character (Northoff, 2003). Reason, on the other hand, is anything that makes sense that is acceptable and justifiable. The argument behind this quote is simply that if an individual was to act out of overconfidence, and without consulting the higher faculties of the self, then they are bound to fail (Fodor, 2008).

It is through reason that an individual can establish the right approach with which to tackle an issue. The quote is trying to explain that psychological preparation and willingness alone cannot achieve the desired objectives, if such confidence and courage were to be employed in tackling an issue that is full of uncertainty. Philosophers have used various historical events to explain the relationship between valor and reason. The most commonly used example is the Trojan horse that was used during the war of troy (Klaczynski et al, 2007).

The Trojan horse, which brought victory to the Kingdom Of Troy, was crafted to accommodate soldiers. The horse which was later given to the enemy as a present was safely locked in the city. It was not until past midnight that the soldiers in the horse came out and struck. This has been explained as with versus strength or valor versus reason. The moral lesson in the quote is that an individual should not use force without critically thinking of the right approach, as well as, the consequences.

Ignoring the power of reason can cause failure, however, strong and courageous an individual could be. The quote by Shakespeare could be compared to the famous proverb, which explains that pride will always come before a fall. In other words, courage uses wit as a tool. Reason is a function of the higher faculties of the self. On the contrary, the psychological concept of valor or courage is a function of the lower faculties of the soul (Hergenhahn, 2009). Efficiency and effectiveness are associated with the higher domains of self.

Reason justifies or refutes a course of action through critical thinking. Critical thinking is concerned with the close evaluation of the subject matter, with the aim of coming up with the best solutions thereof. It is, therefore, recommended that valor should never overlook reason as reason is a tool for success.ReferencesFodor, J. A. (2008). Psychological explanation: An introduction to the philosophy of psychology.Hergenhahn, B. R. (2009). An introduction to the history of psychology. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Klaczynski, P. A., Gordon, D. H., & Fauth, J. (2007). Goal-oriented critical reasoning and individual differences in critical reasoning biases. Journal of Educational Psychology, 89(3), 470Northoff, G. (2003). Philosophy of the brain: The brain problem. Philadelphia: John Benjamin’s Pub.Waith, E. M. (2002). Manhood and Valor in Two Shakespearean Tragedies. ELH, 17(4), 262-273.